Directs the Louisiana Department of Health and the LSU Health Services Center - New Orleans, health care services division, to report on the use and results of hydroxychloroquine on Medicaid patients for treating COVID-19.
Impact
If implemented, this resolution could pave the way for more thorough investigations into hydroxychloroquine's effectiveness in treating COVID-19, adding valuable data to the ongoing conversation surrounding the medication's controversial use. By requiring state health officials to document and analyze hydroxychloroquine's results, the resolution may influence future health policies and treatment protocols in Louisiana, particularly regarding the handling of COVID-19 within the framework of public health strategies.
Summary
Senate Resolution 217 urges the Louisiana Department of Health and the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - New Orleans to jointly report on the use of hydroxychloroquine in treating patients with COVID-19, specifically for those covered by an Office of Group Benefits health plan. The resolution aims to gather data from a control period between March 2020 and October 2020 to understand the effects, hospitalizations, and outcomes associated with hydroxychloroquine use in COVID-19 patients. This initiative arises from previous efforts that highlighted the challenges faced by the Department of Health in producing a comprehensive report due to funding and capacity issues.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Senate Resolution 217 appears to be supportive, particularly among members of the health committee who see the value in obtaining concrete data on hydroxychloroquine's efficacy. However, there may also be underlying concerns regarding the resolution's practical implementation, given past difficulties the Louisiana Department of Health faced in producing similar reports. Overall, amidst the polarized views on hydroxychloroquine's role in treating COVID-19, this resolution represents an effort to clarify and establish a more evidence-based understanding.
Contention
Notably, critics of hydroxychloroquine have voiced hesitations about pushing for its use as a centralized treatment option, citing insufficient clinical evidence and potential side effects. This resolution, while aimed at providing clarity, could further ignite debates regarding hydroxychloroquine's role in public health, highlighting tensions between the need for rapid treatment solutions in emergency situations and the utmost importance of rigorous clinical evidence. The outcome of this resolution might ultimately shape not just state-level responses to COVID-19 but could also resonate at a national level, as states look towards Louisiana's findings.
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to report on the use and results of hydroxychloroquine for treating Medicaid recipients relative to COVID-19.
Requests the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare to study the governance, efficiencies, and service delivery of the Louisiana State University Health Care Services Division and the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center.
Directs the Department of Health and Hospitals to submit a request to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to extend Louisiana's Section 1115a demonstration waiver for the Greater New Orleans Community Health Connection and authorizes the governor and the secretary of the department to identify a source or sources for matching of non-federal funds required under the extended waiver.
Commends the Louisiana Tumor Registry, the faculty of LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, and the School of Public Heath for their contributions to the fight against cancer.
Provides for a limitation relative to certain appropriations for hospitals asssociated with the LSU Health Sciences Center of Shreveport, the LSU Health Sciences Center at New Orleans, and the LSU Health Care Services Division. (7/1/17) (RE SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to report on the use and results of hydroxychloroquine for treating Medicaid recipients relative to COVID-19.
Pharmacists authorized to prescribe, dispense, and administer hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin for preexposure prophylaxis use, postexposure prophylaxis use, or treatment of COVID-19.
Pharmacist authorization to prescribe, dispense, and administer hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin for preexposure prophylaxis use, postexposure prophylaxis use or the treatment of COVID-19